The wait is over. After years dominating the sales charts with the fireproof version Deluxe of the Mario Kart 8, , Nintendo Step on the accelerator thoroughly in its new generation with Mario Kart World. Released on September 12, 2025, this is not simply Mario Kart 9; It is the most ambitious and expansive reinvention of the saga to date. It is a global journey full of speed, chaos and a level of polishing that instantly establishes it as the new undisputed king of karting and an absolutely essential title for the Nintendo Switch 2.
From the first moment, Mario Kart World It makes your intentions clear and is to make the racing universe feel bigger and more connected than ever. The game leaves the static menus in favor of a vibrant central hub, the “Mushroom Kingdom Grand Prix Festival”, an explorable space where players can walk, customize their pilot and vehicle in a detailed garage, practice maneuvers and, of course, launch themselves into the different game modes.
The world is your race track
The main attraction is the “mode”World Tour“Instead of traditional cups, you now embark on a world tour, competing in Grand Prix Themes based on different regions of the planet, each with a unique charm and a masterful track design. The game features 16 brand new tracks that are, without exception, some of the best the saga has offered.
From a frantic tour of the skyscrapers and neon streets in “New Donk City Dash” to a dangerous race through the catacombs and markets in “Cairo Catacombs”, passing through a vibrant parade in the middle of the carnival in “Rio de Janeiro Rhapsody”, each circuit is a visual and playable feast. The tracks are not only beautiful, but they introduce “Dynamic Events”A sandstorm can reduce visibility in the desert, or gondolas can block a crucial shortcut on a Venice-inspired track, making every lap unpredictable.
Along with the new tracks, 16 retro circuits have been completely reimagined. classics like Waluigi Pinball and Coconut Mall They return not only with a 4K facelift, but with new routes and the aforementioned dynamic events that give them a new life.
Under the hood: Playability refined to perfection
The gameplay, already excellent in MK8, has been adjusted and perfected. Control feels more accurate than ever. The great novelty is the mechanics of “Skill Charge” (Skill Charge). When performing consecutive expert maneuvers, such as prolonged skidding or stunts, you fill a small bar that, when activated, gives you a personal mini-turbo, rewarding the technical game without unbalancing the fun chaos of objects.
The Joy-Con 2 haptic feedback is simply revolutionary for the saga. You can feel the difference between skidding on asphalt, earth or ice, the impact of a shell, and the vibration of the engine with amazing fidelity, adding an unprecedented layer of immersion.
New generation performance and robust multiplayer
Technically, Mario Kart World It is a feat. The game runs around Solids 60 frames per second in 4K resolution In TV mode, without a single fall, even with 12 runners, flying objects and weather effects on screen. Load times are almost non-existent, allowing you to jump from one run to another in seconds.
The multiplayer, the soul of the party, is more robust than ever. The online has been enhanced with a faster matchmaking system, a competitive qualifying mode, and the ability to create custom tournaments with incredibly detailed rules. The local game on split screen remains the king of social gatherings, working perfectly for up to four players.
Verdict
Mario Kart World It is the sequel we all expected and much more. It is a love letter to the franchise and, at the same time, a bold generational leap. Featuring a sublime track design, extreme-to-end gameplay, impeccable technical section, and overwhelming amount of content, it sets a new gold standard for the genre. It’s not just the best Mario Kart ever created; It’s one of the most powerful reasons to buy a Nintendo Switch 2.
